How is tuberculosis (TB) treated?
ANSWER
Treatment for active TB disease can involve taking a number of medications for 6 to 12 months. It’s important to take all your meds, as they’re prescribed, the entire time -- even if you feel better. If not, you can get sick again.
If you have TB germs in your body but they haven’t become active, you have what doctors call “latent TB.” You can’t spread the disease to others. But your doctor may still recommend that you take medications to keep the germs from becoming active.
From: Tuberculosis Prevention: What to Know WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson on December 18, 2018
SOURCES:
CDC: “Tuberculosis: TB Facts.”
Mayo Clinic: “Tuberculosis Self-management.”
Minnesota Department of Health: “Home Respiratory Precautions for Patients with Potentially Infectious Tuberculosis.”
Vaccines.gov: “Tuberculosis (TB).”
SOURCES:
CDC: “Tuberculosis: TB Facts.”
Mayo Clinic: “Tuberculosis Self-management.”
Minnesota Department of Health: “Home Respiratory Precautions for Patients with Potentially Infectious Tuberculosis.”
Vaccines.gov: “Tuberculosis (TB).”
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.